Chairman’s Report – Review of the Year
We have had a full and varied year in 2022 with lots of activities and events, please do read the reports and newsletters to remind yourselves of the fantastic F&I year we have had.
This year we have felt that our industry has been threatened, mainly due to a few specific incidents that have caught the media’s eye and have contributed to the ‘social licence to operate’ pressures within the equestrian industry. However, like many aspects in life, I believe that this threat will make us stop, reflect, and come back as individuals, organisations, riders and coaches much better educated then we were before. We will be better informed people for the horse, and we will find a positive way forward.
Although many of us may find it uncomfortable just now, and find “change” challenging, we will look back from the future and see how far we have come and we will be able to be proud of what we have achieved.
As an organisation we have some of the most highly qualified and experienced practitioners within the industry – and we also have a great platform and a strong voice. Therefore we must be very careful how we use it and ensure that we protect it and use it in a proactive way. We firstly must have a long hard honest look at our methods, philosophies and habits and challenge our own behaviours; then we can really start to move forward and be able to advise and support others within the industry.
The future
What does our future look like? What should we be doing to future-proof the F&I Association and our industry? James Hick has told us that we are losing millions of riding lessons every year, so where will the new generation of equestrian practitioners come from?
If fewer new people are coming into the industry at the grassroots level, then we will also see a lack of coaches coming through at the higher levels in the future. How do we encourage new people into and on board with the F & I?
I think the “qualified” coach / educator is one aspect that will be very important in the ‘social licence to operate’ campaign and that will be very much in our favour. Thus some good will come out of all this after all. I still believe that having a “licence” to own any animal especially horses when we use them in such a physical way for recreation and sport is something to be considered. This again will hold educated and qualified equine practitioners like ourselves in a very good position. Let’s stay positive and clear about the future of equestrian and play our part by being as informed and transparent as possible.
Well-being
I have been asked what we as an Association are really doing to support each other? Our mental health, our well-being, and being kind to each other, are all common phrases, but how much do we really know when it’s needed, and how equipped are we to support people within the organisation and to support those around us?
Common challenges within the equine industry include isolation, coach burnout, increasing pressures including expectations from riders, owners and parents. the pressure of social media platforms, ‘social licence to operate’ criticisms, as well as managing our own expectations in work, home, play, family and relationships – all on top of the normal challenges of the equestrian industry especially through the winter months. It’s a tough industry and there’s no denying at times it can take its toll.
We have a responsibility to each other to ensure that we are supporting people around us and within our F & I community. An aspect that has been highlighted to me by several members is that some have tried to seek help and advice from specific organisations within the equine community and/or from some of our most highly qualified and experienced practitioners, but have struggled to get the support that they needed. I put to the members that maybe we could look at some ideas and strategies to try and help each other at times of need and I’m delighted that since the annual course I have been approached by one of our own home-grown members who actually is fully qualified in this area of support and we will ensure that this person is contactable for anyone who would like to have an initial chat and receive some professional support. I would like to think that we could have a support mechanism within F & I so people can open up with confidence and seek support and advice on how to “cope” in this tough industry. We know that equestrian has a culture that “we don’t give in” and “we don’t show our weaknesses” and even that “we don’t need help” and “don’t like to admit that we are struggling.” Let’s change that culture and provide links to professional help and try hard to be there for each other if needed.
Closing remarks
We have an amazing F&I Association that has given us all fantastic opportunities and helped us to develop and achieve great things within the equine industry, I feel this organisation has so many strengths and I feel that we can lead on so many levels.
Let’s take on 2023 by leading by example, sharing good practice, supporting inwardly and outwardly and being great ambassadors for the equine industry. Let’s respect ourselves and each other at all times and most importantly let’s raise a glass and respect our most wonderful friends, “The horses”.
Sam York FBHS
F&I Annual Course & AGM 4th January 2023, Keysoe